Nuclear Engineering Postdoctoral Research Associate

Idaho National Laboratory • Idaho Falls, ID

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is looking for a highly qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate in nuclear engineering, specializing in nuclear reactor core design, multiphysics analysis, and plant reload optimization. This role will concentrate on power uprates in light water reactors, utilizing accident-tolerant fuel cladding and LEU+ nuclear fuel, and developing a platform for multiphysics core design optimization. The ideal candidate will possess in-depth knowledge of reactor physics and fuel performance along with experience in reactor core modeling using fuel depletion system codes. Additionally, expertise in developing and applying optimization algorithms, including metaheuristic evolutionary algorithms and reinforcement learning, is essential. This position requires a proactive and creative individual capable of contributing significantly to our interdisciplinary R&D team, both independently and collaboratively. The candidate should be adept at efficiently completing tasks as directed by project managers and principal investigators. An excellent postdoctoral researcher will bring fresh insights that help our team propose innovative ideas, overcome challenges, and enhance the impact of our work. The responsibilities also include writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication and milestone reports and presenting research findings at conferences and meetings, necessitating strong communication skills.

Requirements

• PhD in Nuclear Engineering.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills in English.
• Understanding of reactor physics, reactor core design, and constraints induced by neutronics and fuel performance.
• Proficiency in reactor core modeling with fuel depletion codes (e.g., PARCS, VERA-CS).
• Proficient in programming languages (e.g., Python, Bash).
• Experience in developing optimization models.
• Experience in proposal writing.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with fuel modeling using fuel performance codes (e.g., FAST, BISON) is advantageous.
• Expertise in developing and applying optimization algorithms, including metaheuristic evolutionary algorithms and reinforcement learning, is essential.
• Proactive and creative individual capable of contributing significantly to our interdisciplinary R&D team, both independently and collaboratively.
• Adept at efficiently completing tasks as directed by project managers and principal investigators.
• Bring fresh insights that help our team propose innovative ideas, overcome challenges, and enhance the impact of our work.

Responsibilities

• Develop a platform for multiphysics core design optimization.
• Concentrate on power uprates in light water reactors, utilizing accident-tolerant fuel cladding and LEU+ nuclear fuel.
• Write scientific manuscripts for journal publication and milestone reports.
• Present research findings at conferences and meetings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree